KR20180011718A - Image-capturing apparatus, accessory apparatus and control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an image-capturing apparatus and an accessory apparatus to rapidly detect a mismatch of a communication mode between the image-capturing apparatus and the accessory apparatus. The image-capturing apparatus (200) has a camera communication unit (208a, 208b) configured to install a first data communication channel (DLC) used to transmit accessory data from the accessory apparatus to the image-capturing apparatus and a second DCL used to transmit camera data from the image-capturing apparatus to the accessory apparatus, between the image-capturing apparatus (200) and the accessory apparatus (100); and a camera control unit (205) configured to communicate with the accessory apparatus through the camera communication unit. The camera control unit and the accessory apparatus are configured to convert each communication mode between the first and second communication modes. The camera control unit is configured to transmit accessory data which has a different parity bit setting in the first and second communication modes to the accessory apparatus.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, an accessory device, and a control method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an accessory device such as an imaging device capable of communicating with each other (hereinafter referred to as "camera body") and an interchangeable lens.

In the accessory exchangeable camera system including the camera main body in which the accessory device is removable, data necessary for controlling the accessory device (hereinafter referred to as "interchangeable lens") from the camera body and controlling the interchangeable lens from the interchangeable lens is provided to the camera body Communication is performed between the camera body and the interchangeable lens. If the amount of data exchanged between the camera body and the interchangeable lens increases, it is required to increase the communication speed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-037824 discloses a camera system capable of switching a communication mode between a normal communication mode and a burst communication mode in order to cope with an increase in communication speed and communication data between a camera body and an exchange lens have. In the burst communication mode, after the interchangeable lens once stores a plurality of data in a plurality of registers, a plurality of data are collectively transmitted to the camera body. Thus, it is possible to perform high-speed data communication (burst communication) in which communication waiting processing (BUSY processing) need not be performed.

On the other hand, as the communication speed is increased, communication errors tend to occur due to noise generated in the communication transmission path. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-338029 discloses a process for detecting a communication error and initiating communication when a communication error occurs in serial communication between the camera body and the interchangeable lens.

However, in the camera system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-037824, noise caused by a communication transmission path is caused, and the interchangeable lens is erroneously regarded as requiring switching from the camera body to the burst communication mode, There is a possibility of doing. On the other hand, there is a possibility that the exchange lens does not perform the burst communication even though the camera body actually requested to switch to the burst communication mode. This inconsistency of the so-called communication mode can not be detected until the camera body communicates with the interchangeable lens and confirms the communication mode even if the processing disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-338029 is performed.

The present invention provides an imaging device, an accessory device, and the like that can quickly detect an inconsistency of a communication mode between an imaging device and an accessory device.

The present invention provides an imaging device in which an accessory device is detachably mounted on one side. An imaging device includes a first data communication channel used to transmit accessory data from the accessory device to the imaging device and a second data communication channel used to transmit camera data from the imaging device to the accessory device, A camera communication unit configured to install a communication channel, and a camera control unit configured to communicate with the accessory device via the camera communication unit. The camera control unit and the accessory device are configured to be able to switch respective communication modes between a first communication mode and a second communication mode. The camera controller is configured to cause the accessory device to transmit the accessory data having different parity bit settings in the first and second communication modes.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an accessory device detachably mounted on an imaging device. An accessory device includes a first data communication channel used to transmit accessory data from the accessory device to the imaging device and a second data communication channel used to transmit camera data from the imaging device to the accessory device, An accessory communication unit configured to install a data communication channel, and an accessory control unit configured to communicate with the imaging device via the accessory communication unit. The accessory control unit and the imaging device are configured to be able to switch the respective communication modes between the first communication mode and the second communication mode. The accessory control unit is configured to transmit the accessory data having different parity bit settings to the imaging apparatus in the first and second communication modes.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging system including the imaging device and the accessory device.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an imaging device in which an accessory device is detachably mounted, comprising: a first data communication channel used to transmit accessory data from the accessory device to the imaging device; There is provided a control method for controlling an imaging apparatus that installs a second data communication channel used for transmitting camera data from an apparatus to the accessory apparatus. The control method comprising the steps of: enabling the imaging device and the accessory device to switch their communication mode between a first communication mode and a second communication mode; And controlling the imaging device to transmit the accessory data having different parity bit settings to each other in the second communication mode.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an accessory device detachably mounted on an imaging device, comprising: a first data communication channel used to transmit accessory data from the accessory device to the imaging device; And an accessory device for installing a second data communication channel used for transmitting camera data from the imaging device to the accessory device. The control method comprising the steps of: enabling the accessory device and the imaging device to switch their communication modes between a first communication mode and a second communication mode; and controlling the accessory device to switch the first And controlling the accessory device to transmit the accessory data having different parity bit settings to each other in the second communication mode.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-temporary storage medium storing a computer program for causing a computer to execute a control method for controlling the image pickup apparatus and the accessory apparatus.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera body and an interchangeable lens in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication circuit according to the first embodiment.
3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lens data transmitting and receiving unit according to the first embodiment.
4A to 4C are diagrams showing signal waveforms exchanged between the camera body and the interchangeable lens in the first embodiment.
5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining processing from detection of a communication mode mismatch to returning to a communication mode matching state.
Figs. 6A and 6B are flowcharts showing processing performed by the camera microcomputer and the lens microcomputer in the first embodiment. Fig.
Figs. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining the processing from the detection of the DCL error to the return to the normal state according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig.
8A and 8B are flowcharts showing processing performed by the camera microcomputer and the lens microcomputer in the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Example 1]

1 shows an image pickup system (hereinafter referred to as "camera system") including a camera body 200 as an image pickup apparatus and an interchangeable lens 100 as an accessory apparatus, which is a first embodiment Fig.

The camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 transmit control commands and internal information via a communication unit to be described later. The communication unit is compatible with various communication formats and it is possible to select an optimal communication format for various situations by switching to the same communication format in synchronization with each other depending on the type of data to be communicated and the communication purpose.

First, the specific structure of the interchangeable lens 100 and the camera body 200 will be described. The interchangeable lens 100 and the camera body 200 are mechanically and electrically connected via a mount 300 including a coupling mechanism. The interchangeable lens 100 is supplied with power from the camera body 200 through a power terminal portion (not shown) provided in the mount 300 and supplies various electric power to the various microcomputers 111 and microphones 111 . The interchangeable lens 100 and the camera body 200 communicate with each other via a communication terminal portion (shown in Fig. 2) provided in the mount 300. [

The interchangeable lens 100 has an imaging optical system. The imaging optical system includes, from the object OBJ side, a field lens 101, a variable magnification lens 102 for magnification variation, an iris unit 114 for adjusting the amount of light, an image-stabilizing lens 104 for image blur correction, A lens 103, and a focus lens 104 for performing focus adjustment.

The magnification lens 102 and the focus lens 104 are held by lens holders 105 and 106, respectively. The lens holders 105 and 106 are guided by a guide bar (not shown) so as to be movable in the direction of the optical axis in which the optical axis of the imaging optical system (indicated by a broken line in the figure) extends and are driven in the optical axis direction by the stepping motors 107 and 108, respectively do. The stepping motors 107 and 108 move the magnification lens 102 and the focus lens 104 in synchronization with the drive pulse, respectively.

The dustproof lens 103 moves in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the imaging optical system to reduce image blur caused by hand shake or the like.

The lens microcomputer 111, which is an access control unit, controls various operations inside the interchangeable lens 100. [ The lens microcomputer 111 receives a control command transmitted from the camera body 200 via a lens communication unit 112 as an accessory communication unit and receives a request for transmission of lens data (accessory data) output from the control command. The lens microcomputer 111 performs various lens control corresponding to the control command and transmits lens data corresponding to the transmission request to the camera body 200 via the lens communication unit 112. [ The lens microcomputer 111 performs an operation related to communication with the camera body 200 (that is, a camera microcomputer 205 described later) in accordance with a communication control program as a computer program.

In this embodiment, asynchronous serial communication is adopted as the communication method between the lens microcomputer 111 and the camera microcomputer 205. [ The lens microcomputer 111 also outputs a zoom driving signal and a focus driving signal to the zoom driving circuit 119 and the focus driving circuit 120 in response to the magnification command and the focus driving command in the control command and outputs the zoom driving signal and the focus driving signal to the stepping motor 107, 108 to perform zoom processing for controlling the magnification operation by the magnification lens 102 and AF (autofocus) processing for controlling the focus adjustment operation by the focus lens 104. [

The interchangeable lens 100 has a manual focus ring 130 that can be rotated by a user and a focus encoder 131 that detects a rotational operation amount of the manual focus ring 130. [ The lens microcomputer 111 instructs the focus driving circuit 120 to drive the stepping motor 108 by a driving amount corresponding to the rotational operation amount of the manual focus ring 130 detected by the focus encoder 131, ), And performs MF (manual focus).

The diaphragm unit 114 is constituted by the diaphragm blades 114a and 114b. The opening and closing states of the diaphragm blades 114a and 114b are detected by the Hall element 115 and the detection result is inputted to the lens microcomputer 111 via the amplifier circuit 122 and the A /

The lens microcomputer 111 outputs a diaphragm drive signal to the diaphragm drive circuit 121 based on the input signal from the A / D conversion circuit 123 so that the diaphragm drive circuit 121 drives the diaphragm actuator 113 Thereby controlling the light amount adjusting operation of the iris unit 114. [

The interchangeable lens 100 further includes a vibration sensor (not shown and referred to as a "gyro sensor" hereinafter) composed of a vibration gyro or the like. The lens microcomputer 111 drives the dustproof actuator 126 constituted by a voice coil motor or the like via the dustproof driving circuit 125 depending on the vibration (angular velocity) detected by the gyro sensor, A vibration control process is performed to control the movement of the motor. The lock mechanism for locking the dustproof lens 103 to the initial position is released prior to driving the dustproof actuator 126. [

The camera body 200 includes an image pickup device 201 composed of a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor, etc., an A / D conversion circuit 202, a signal processing circuit 203, a recording section (memory) 204, A microcomputer 205, and a display unit 206. Fig.

The imaging element 201 photoelectrically converts an object image formed by the imaging optical system in the interchangeable lens 100 and outputs an imaging signal as an analog electric signal.

The A / D conversion circuit 202 converts an analog signal from the image pickup element 201 into a digital image pickup signal. The signal processing circuit 203 performs various image processing on the digital image pickup signal from the A / D converter circuit 202 to generate a video signal. The signal processing circuit 203 also generates, from the video signal, focus information indicating a contrast state (i.e., focus state of the imaging optical system) on the object and luminance information indicating the exposure state. The signal processing circuit 203 outputs the video signal to the display unit 206. [ The display unit 206 displays a video signal as a live view image used for confirmation of an imaging composition and a focus state. Further, the signal processing circuit 203 outputs the video signal to the recording unit 204. [ The recording section 204 records the video signal.

The memory 210 is constituted by a DDR (Double Data Rate SDRAM) or the like. The memory 210 stores the digital image pickup signal obtained by the image pickup device 201 and the image signal generated by the image processing circuit 203 and stores the lens data received from the lens microcomputer 111. [

The camera microcomputer 205 as a camera control section controls the camera body 200 in response to an input from a camera operation section 207 including an image pickup instruction switch (not shown) and various setting switches. The camera microcomputer 205 transmits a control command related to the magnification operation of the magnification lens 102 to the lens microcomputer 111 via the camera data transmission / reception unit 208b, in accordance with the operation of the zoom switch (not shown) .

In addition, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a control command relating to the light amount adjusting operation of the iris unit 114 in accordance with the luminance information and a focus adjustment of the focus lens 104 according to the focus information, via the camera data transmission / And transmits a control command relating to the operation to the lens microcomputer 111. The camera microcomputer 205 performs an operation related to communication with the lens microcomputer 111 in accordance with a communication control program as a computer program.

2, a communication circuit formed between the camera body 200 (camera microcomputer 205) and the interchangeable lens 100 (lens microcomputer 111) and the communication performed between them . The camera microcomputer 205 has a function of managing settings for communication with the lens microcomputer 111 and a function of notifying of a transmission request or the like. On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 111 has a function of generating lens data and a function of transmitting the lens data.

The camera microcomputer 205 has a camera communication interface circuit 208a and the lens microcomputer 111 has a lens communication interface circuit 112a. The camera microcomputer 205 (camera data transmission / reception unit 208b) and the lens microcomputer 111 (lens data transmission / reception unit 112b) are connected to a communication terminal unit (indicated by three boxes in the figure) And the communication interface circuits 208a and 112a. In this embodiment, the camera and lens microcomputers 205 and 111 perform three-wire asynchronous serial communication using three channels. The camera communication unit 208 is configured by the camera data transmission / reception unit 208b and the camera communication interface circuit 208a. The lens communication unit 112 is constituted by the lens data transmission / reception unit 112b and the lens communication interface circuit 112a.

Although three-wire asynchronous serial communication using three communication channels is used in the present embodiment, other number of serial communication and communication channels are also possible.

The three channels are a transmission request channel as a communication request channel, a first data communication channel, and a second data communication channel. The transmission request channel is used to provide notification such as a transmission request (transmission command) of lens data from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111 and a switching request (switching command) for communication setting. The transmission request is provided by switching the signal level (voltage level) in the transmission request channel between a high first level and a low second level. In the following description, the transmission request signal supplied to the transmission request channel is referred to as "transmission request signal RTS ".

The first data communication channel is used for lens data transmission from the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205. [ In the following description, the lens data transmitted as a signal from the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205 via the first data communication channel is referred to as "lens data signal DLC ". The second data communication channel is used to transmit camera data from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111. [ In the following description, the camera data transmitted from the camera microcomputer 205 as a signal to the lens microcomputer 111 via the second data communication channel is referred to as a "camera data signal DCL ".

The transmission request signal RTS is sent from the camera microcomputer 205 as a communication master to the lens microcomputer 111 as a communication slave.

The camera data signal DCL includes various control commands and transmission request commands transmitted from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111. The lens data signal DLC includes various data to be transmitted from the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205.

The camera and lens microcomputers 205 and 111 set the communication speed in advance and perform communication (transmission and reception) at the communication bit rate according to this setting. The communication bit rate represents the amount of data that can be transmitted in one second, and the unit is expressed in bits per second (bps). The data and lens microcomputers 205 and 111 communicate with each other by a simultaneous transmission / reception communication method capable of transmitting and receiving data with each other.

3 shows a configuration of a camera data transmission / reception section 208b in the camera microcomputer 205 and a lens data transmission / reception section 112b in the lens microcomputer 111. Fig. The camera microcomputer 205 includes a CPU 205a as a main body of the camera microcomputer 205, a RTS control unit 301 and a transmission data buffer 302 which is a camera data buffer constituted by a RAM and the like. The camera microcomputer 205 further includes a reception data buffer 303 composed of a RAM or the like and a buffer control unit 304 for controlling storage and data reading of data in the buffers 302 and 303.

On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 111 includes a CPU 111a as a main body of the lens microcomputer 111, an RTS detecting section 316, and a buffer 311 for received data constituted by a RAM and the like. The lens microcomputer 111 further includes a transmission data buffer 312 which is an access data buffer constituted by a RAM or the like and a buffer control unit 313 which controls data storage and data reading in the buffers 311 and 312.

The camera data signal DCL transmitted from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111 is stored in the transmission data buffer 302. For example, when transmitting the camera data signal DCL of 128 bytes, the camera data signal DCL of 128 bytes is first stored in the transmission data buffer 302 and then transmitted to the lens microcomputer 111. The buffer control unit 304 reads the camera data signal DCL from the transmission data buffer 302 every one byte (frame). The read camera data signal DCL of each byte is converted from the parallel data signal to the serial data signal by the parallel-serial conversion unit 305 and then transmitted from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111 .

The camera data signal DCL transmitted from the camera microcomputer 205 is converted from a serial data signal to a parallel data signal in the serial-parallel conversion section 314 in the lens microcomputer 111.

The buffer control unit 313 stores the camera data signal DCL converted into the parallel data signal in the reception data buffer 311. [

The lens data signal DLC transmitted from the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205 is stored in the transmission data buffer 312. For example, when transmitting the 128-byte lens data signal DLC, the 128-byte lens data signal DLC is first stored in the transmission data buffer 312 and then transmitted to the camera microcomputer 205. The buffer control unit 313 reads out the lens data signal DLC from the transmission data buffer 312 every one byte (frame). The read lens data signal DLC of each byte is converted from the parallel data signal to the serial data signal by the parallel-serial conversion unit 315 and is transmitted from the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205 .

The lens data signal DLC transmitted from the lens microcomputer 111 is converted from a serial data signal to a parallel data signal by the serial-parallel conversion section 306 in the camera microcomputer 205. The buffer control unit 304 stores the lens data signal DLC converted into the parallel data signal in the reception data buffer 303. [ The lens data signal DLC stored in the reception data buffer 303 is read from the buffer for reception data by the camera CPU 205a, and the read lens data signal DLC is transferred to and stored in the memory 210. [

In response to the transmission of the command requesting the operation from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111 via the communication processing, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits the operation request command to the actuators 107, 108, 113, etc.).

The operation result obtained by the control of these actuators is transmitted from the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205 without delay (in real time).

In the present embodiment, a description has been given of the case of performing 3-wire asynchronous serial communication using a transmission request channel (RTS), a first data communication channel (DLC), and a second data communication channel (DCL) Synchronous serial communication may be performed.

In this case, as a channel used for communication between the camera body and the interchangeable lens, a clock channel for a clock signal, a data communication channel for communicating a lens and a camera data signal, and a transmission request channel different from those for the clock and data communication channels There is a need.

4A to 4C show waveforms of signals transmitted and received between the camera and the microcomputers 205 and 111 in the first communication setting. The configuration of this signal transmission / reception procedure is called a communication protocol. In this embodiment, a first communication mode (hereinafter referred to as "BUSY mode") in which a BUSY frame is added and a second communication mode in which a BUSY frame is not added (hereinafter referred to as "BUSY mode") do.

The camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 can switch the communication mode between the BUSY mode and the BUSY mode.

4A shows a signal waveform of one frame which is the minimum communication unit. The camera data signal DCL and the lens data signal DLC have different portions in the data format of one frame.

First, the data format of the lens data signal DLC will be described. The lens data signal DLC of one frame is composed of a data frame which is a first frame and a BUSY frame which is a subsequent frame as a large division.

The signal level of the lens data signal DLC is held high in the non-transmission state in which no data transmission is performed.

The lens microcomputer 111 sets the signal level to low in one bit period in order to notify the camera microcomputer 205 of the start of transmission of one frame of the lens data signal DLC.

This one-bit period representing the start of one frame is referred to as "start bit ST" in this embodiment. That is, one data frame starts from this start bit ST. The start bit ST is provided as a leading bit for each frame of the lens data signal DLC.

Next, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits 1-byte lens data in the 8-bit period from the next 2-bit to the 9-th bit. Data is an MSB first format, starting from the most significant data bit D7, followed by data bits D6, D5, D4, D3, D2 and D1 in order and ending with the lowest data bit D0.

Then, the lens microcomputer 111 adds parity information (parity bit) PA of 1 bit to the 10th bit and sets the signal level of the lens data signal DLC to high level in the period of the stop bit SP indicating the end of one frame Setting. Thus, the data frame started from the start bit ST ends.

Next, as indicated by "DLC (BUSY)" in FIG. 4A, the lens microcomputer 111 adds a BUSY frame after the stop bit SP. The BUSY frame indicates the period of the communication standby request BUSY to notify the camera microcomputer 205 from the lens microcomputer 111. [ The lens microcomputer 111 keeps the signal level of the lens data signal DLC low until the BUSY notification is terminated. The camera microcomputer 205 is prohibited from setting the signal level of the transmission request signal RTS to low until the BUSY notification is terminated.

On the other hand, for the case where the notification of BUSY provided from the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205 is unnecessary, a BUSY notification (BUSY frame) is added as shown in "DLC A data format for constructing one frame is provided. In other words, the lens microcomputer 111 can select the data format of the lens data signal DLC as the data format to which the BUSY notification is added or not, depending on the processing state.

A description will be given of a method for identifying the presence / absence of a BUSY notification performed by the camera microcomputer 205. FIG.

In FIG. 4A, both the signal waveform of "DLC (BUSY-free)" and the signal waveform of "DLC (BUSY)" include bit positions B1 and B2. The camera microcomputer 205 selects one of these bit positions B1 and B2 as a BUSY identification position P that identifies the presence or absence of a BUSY notification. Thus, in the present embodiment, a data format for selecting the BUSY identification position P from the bit positions B1 and B2 is adopted. According to this data format, the processing time from the transmission of the data frame of the lens data signal DLC to the identification of the presence of the BUSY notification (the lens data signal DLC is set low) varies depending on the processing performance of the lens microcomputer 111 I can cope with the problem.

Whether the bit position B1 or B2 is selected by the BUSY identification position P is established by communication between the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 before communication is performed between them. It is not necessary to fix the BUSY identification position P at the bit positions B1 and B2 and may be changed according to the processing capabilities of the camera and lens microcomputers 205 and 111. [

Fig. 4B shows a signal waveform when continuous communication is performed in the BUSY mode shown in "DLC (BUSY type)" in Fig. 4A. A BUSY notification (BUSY frame) from the lens microcomputer 111 is provided using the lens data signal DLC via the first data communication channel, and the next communication is started after the BUSY notification ends. 4B, CMD1 indicates a transmission request command transmitted from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111 as the camera data signal DCL. Upon receiving the transmission request command CMD1, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits the 2-byte lens data signal DT1 (DT1a, DT1b) corresponding to the transmission request command CMD1 to the camera microcomputer 205. [

FIG. 4C shows a signal waveform when communication is performed by switching the communication setting (communication mode) between the BUSY mode and the BUSY mode. In the example of FIG. 4C, communication is performed in the BUSY mode first, and then in the BUSY mode. 4C, CMD2 denotes a control command and a transmission request command transmitted from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111 as the camera data signal DCL. The control command is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 111 to control the switching from the BUSY mode to the BUSY mode.

The transmission request command is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 111 for the transmission request of the lens data signal DT2 (DT2a to DT2d) of the predetermined data amount (bytes). 4A shows a case where the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a control command and a transmission request command in one frame, but the control and transmission request commands may be transmitted in a separate frame.

The lens microcomputer 111 switches the communication mode from the BUSY mode to the BUSY mode without receiving the control command of the command CMD2. Then, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits the lens data signal DT2 (DT2a to DT2d) of the predetermined byte to the camera microcomputer 205 upon receiving the transmission request command of the command CMD2. While the camera microcomputer 205 keeps the signal level of the transmission request signal RTS low at the time of transmitting the range data signal, the lens microcomputer 111 continuously supplies the lens data signal DT2 to the camera microcomputer 205 .

Also, as shown in FIG. 4C, the camera microcomputer 205 can temporarily stop the transmission of the lens data signal DT2 by returning the signal level of the transmission request signal RTS to high. In addition, it is also possible for the camera microcomputer 205 to forcibly terminate the transmission of the lens data signal DT2 by keeping the signal level of the transmission request signal RTS high. In the BUSY mode, in response to completion of transmission / reception of the lens data signal DT2 and camera data signal DCL of a predetermined number of bytes, the camera and lens microcomputers 205 and 111 switch the communication mode to the BUSY mode.

Next, the data format of the camera data signal DCL will be described. The specification of the data format of the camera data signal DCL for one frame is common to the lens data signal DLC. However, the addition of the BUSY frame to the camera data signal DCL is prohibited, which is different from the lens data signal DLC.

Next, the communication procedure in the ordinary communication processing between the camera and the lens microcomputers 205 and 111 will be described. First, the communication procedure in the BUSY mode will be described.

The camera microcomputer 205 sets the signal level of the transmission request signal RTS to low (that is, asserts the transmission request signal RTS) when an event to start communication with the lens microcomputer 111 occurs, And provides a transmission request to the computer 111. The lens microcomputer 111 generates a lens data signal DLC to be transmitted to the camera microcomputer 205 upon detection of a transmission request by the assertion of the transmission request signal RTS. After completion of preparation for transmission of the lens data signal DLC, the lens microcomputer 111 starts transmission of the lens data signal DLC of one byte (frame) via the first data communication channel.

The lens microcomputer 111 starts transmission of the lens data signal DLC within the set time set by the camera and the lens microcomputers 205 and 111 after the assertion of the transmission request signal RTS. That is, for the lens microcomputer 111, it is necessary to set the lens data to be transmitted before the first clock pulse is input in the period from the assertion of the transmission request signal RTS to the start of transmission of the lens data signal DLC, Is not given.

Next, in accordance with the detection of the start bit ST which is the leading bit of the data frame of the lens data signal DLC received from the lens microcomputer 111 (that is, upon receipt of the lens data signal DLC), the camera microcomputer 205 The signal level of the transmission request signal RTS is returned to high, that is, the transmission request signal RTS is negated. Accordingly, the camera microcomputer 205 terminates the transmission request after the transmission of the lens data signal DLC is started, and at the same time, starts the transmission of the camera data signal DCL via the second data communication channel. Negation of the transmission request signal RTS may be performed either before or after the start of transmission of the camera data signal DCL. These negative gate and transmission may be performed until the reception of the data frame of the lens data signal DLC is completed.

The lens microcomputer 111 that has transmitted the data frame of the lens data signal DLC adds a BUSY frame to the lens data signal DLC when it is necessary to provide a BUSY notification to the camera microcomputer 205. [ When it is not necessary to provide a BUSY notification to the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111 does not add a BUSY frame to the lens data signal DLC. The camera microcomputer 205 monitors the presence or absence of the BUSY notification and prohibits assertion of the transmission request signal RTS for the next transmission request while the BUSY notification is provided. The lens microcomputer 111 executes necessary processing in a period in which communication from the camera microcomputer 205 is prohibited by the BUSY notification and ends the BUSY notification after the next communication preparation is completed. The assertion of the transmission request signal RTS for the next transmission request by the camera microcomputer 205 is permitted on condition that the BUSY notification ends and the transmission of the data frame of the camera data signal DCL is completed.

In this way, in this embodiment, in response to the assertion of the transmission request signal RTS at the time of occurrence of the communication start event in the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits the lens data signal DLC The transmission of the data frame of FIG. On the other hand, the camera microcomputer 205 starts transmission of the data frame of the camera data signal DCL to the lens microcomputer 111 by detecting the start bit ST of the lens data signal DLC. The lens microcomputer 111 adds a BUSY frame to the data frame of the lens data signal DLC so as to provide a BUSY notification if necessary and then terminates the BUSY notification and ends the communication processing of one frame. In this communication processing, the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 transmit / receive one byte of data to / from each other.

Next, the communication procedure in the BUSY mode will be described. In the BUSY mode, since the BUSY frame is not added as compared with the BUSY mode, higher-speed data communication is possible. In the data format of the lens data signal DLC in the BUSY mode, one frame is composed of only data frames, that is, does not include a BUSY frame. Therefore, in the BUSY mode, the lens microcomputer 111 can not provide the BUSY notification to the camera microcomputer 205. [ This data format is used for burst communication, which is a continuous communication in which the interval between frames is shortened so as to transfer a relatively large amount of data between the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111. [ That is, high-speed communication of large-capacity data is enabled by the BUSY mode.

Next, processing (control method) from the detection of the difference of the communication mode to the return to the state of matching the communication mode will be described with reference to Figs. 5A and 5B.

Reference numerals 501 to 517 denote processes performed by the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111. [ As described above, the communication mode in which the BUSY frame is added is the BUSY mode, and the communication mode in which the BUSY frame is not added is the BUSY mode. The setting of the parity bit for each communication mode is predetermined. More specifically, in the BUSY mode, which is one of the communication modes, an even parity is added. On the other hand, in the BUSY mode, which is the other communication mode, no parity bit is added. The setting of these parity bits is merely an example, and other parity bit settings may be employed. For example, parity is not included in the BUSY mode, and even parity may be added in the BUSY mode. Alternatively, an odd parity may be added in the BUSY mode and an odd parity may be added in the BUSY mode.

5A shows a state in which the camera microcomputer 205 detects a difference in the communication mode when the lens microcomputer 111 erroneously switches its communication mode to the BUSY mode and the lens microcomputer 111 to the BUSY mode Quot; mode ". The communication modes of the original camera and lens microcomputers 205 and 111 are all BUSY mode. When the camera microcomputer 205 asserts the transmission request signal RTS (501), the lens microcomputer 111 transmits the 1-byte lens data signal DLC to the camera microcomputer 205 via the first data communication channel (502). Accordingly, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits the 1-byte camera data signal DCL, which is data other than the communication mode change request (to be described later), to the lens microcomputer 111 via the second data communication channel 503). When the camera data signal DCL is transmitted in this manner, the camera data signal DCL is converted into the data indicating the communication mode switching request for switching the communication mode to the BUSY mode by the noise generated in the second data communication channel (communication path) (504). In this case, the lens microcomputer 111 erroneously switches its own communication mode to the BUSY mode.

Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 205 asserts the transmission request signal RTS to notify the lens microcomputer 111 of the next communication start (505), and the lens microcomputer 111 in the BUSY mode is set to 1 byte The lens data signal DLC is transmitted to the camera microcomputer 205 (506). The camera microcomputer 205 detects a parity error of the received lens data signal DLC (507) and recognizes (detects) a difference in the communication mode between the camera and the lens microcomputers 205 and 111. The camera microcomputer 205 recognizing the difference of the communication modes resets the communication mode of the lens microcomputer 111 to the BUSY mode by switching the transmission mode of the lens microcomputer 111 to the BUSY mode by keeping the transmission request signal RTS in the negated state for a predetermined period of time (508) ). According to this processing, the difference in the communication modes between the camera and the lens microcomputers 205 and 111 can be eliminated.

5B shows a case where the camera microcomputer 205 fails to switch the lens microcomputer 111 to the BUSY mode and detects a difference in the communication mode between the camera and the lens microcomputers 205 and 111, To the BUSY mode. The initial communication modes of camera and lens microcomputers 205 and 111 are all BUSY mode. When the camera microcomputer 205 that switches from the BUSY mode to the BUSY mode and assures communication with the lens microcomputer 11 asserts the transmission request signal RTS 511, The lens data signal DLC is transmitted to the camera microcomputer 205 via the first communication channel (512). Accordingly, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits to the lens microcomputer 111 a 1-byte camera data signal DCL indicating a communication mode switching request for switching to the BUSY non-mode via the second data communication channel ( 513). When the camera data signal DCL is transmitted, the camera data signal DCL is converted into data that does not signify a communication mode switching request for switching to the BUSY mode (the parity information PA is also different) due to the noise generated in the second data communication channel (514), the communication mode of the lens microcomputer 111 does not switch to the BUSY mode. That is, only the communication mode of the camera microcomputer 205 switches to the BUSY mode.

Thereafter, when the camera microcomputer 205 asserts the transmission request signal RTS (515), the lens microcomputer 111 in the BUSY mode transmits the 1-byte lens data signal DLC including the parity bit to the camera microcomputer (Step 516). The camera microcomputer 205 detects a parity error of the received lens data signal DLC and accordingly recognizes the difference in the communication mode between the camera and the lens microcomputers 205 and 111 (517). The camera microcomputer 205 recognizing the difference of the communication modes returns (switches) its own communication mode to the BUSY mode. According to this processing, the difference in the communication modes between the camera and the lens microcomputers 205 and 111 can be eliminated. The camera microcomputer 205 keeps the transmission request signal RTS in the asserted state and negates the transmission request signal RTS until the camera microcomputer 205 returns the communication mode of the camera microcomputer 205 to the BUSY mode.

6A is a view showing a state in which the difference between the communication modes between the camera and the lens microcomputers 205 and 111 performed by the camera microcomputer 205 is detected and the difference is eliminated (that is, the communication mode of the lens microcomputer 111 is referred to as a camera microcomputer (To return to the same state as that of the camera communication mode 205). The camera microcomputer 205 executes this processing in accordance with a camera communication processing program which is a computer program. In the following description, "S" indicates a step. When the communication is started, the communication mode of the camera microcomputer 205 is the BUSY mode.

In step S601, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether or not a one-byte camera data signal DCL to be transmitted to the lens microcomputer 111 is a communication mode switching request (hereinafter referred to as a "BUSY non-mode switching request" The camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to step S606 if the camera data signal DCL is a BUSY mode non-mode change request, and otherwise proceeds to step S602.

In step S602, in the BUSY mode, the camera microcomputer 205 receives assertion of the transmission request signal RTS, reception of the lens data signal DLC from the lens microcomputer 111, and reception of the camera data signal DCL . When transmission and reception of the lens and camera data signals DLC and DCL are completed, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to S603.

In step S603, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether the lens data signal DLC received from the lens microcomputer 111 includes a parity error. If the lens data signal DLC includes a parity error, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to step S605, otherwise proceeds to step S604.

In step S604, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether or not transmission and reception of all the lens and camera data signals DLC and DCL have been completed. When the transmission and reception of the entire lens and camera data signals DLC and DCL are completed, the camera microcomputer 205 terminates the present process. Otherwise, the process returns to S601 to transmit and receive the next byte of lens and camera data signals DLC and DCL .

On the other hand, in step S605, the camera microcomputer 205 recognizes that the lens microcomputer 111 has mistakenly shifted to the BUSY mode, and transmits a transmission request to return the communication mode of the lens microcomputer 111 to the BUSY mode The signal RTS is held in the negated state for a predetermined time. Then, the camera microcomputer 205 ends this processing. After completion of this process, the camera microcomputer 205 may resume communication with the lens microcomputer 11 again or perform software or hardware reset of the interchangeable lens 100. [

On the other hand, in step S606, the camera microcomputer 205 asserts the transmission request signal RTS to receive the lens data signal DLC from the lens microcomputer 111, and then transmits the camera data signal DCL. After switching the communication mode of the camera microcomputer 205 itself to the BUSY mode, the process advances to step S607.

In step S607, the camera microcomputer 205 transiting to the BUSY non-mode mode asserts the transmission request signal RTS to receive the 1-byte lens data signal DLC from the lens microcomputer 111, The camera data signal DCL of 1 byte is transmitted. At this time, when the camera microcomputer 205 has to stop the communication, the camera microcomputer 205 negates the transmission request signal RTS. When the camera microcomputer 205 can resume communication, the camera microcomputer 205 asserts a transmission request signal RTS. After transmitting and receiving the lens and camera data signals DLC and DCL, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to S608.

In step S608, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether the received lens data signal DLC includes a parity error. If the lens data signal DLC includes a parity error, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to S611, and otherwise proceeds to S609.

In step S609, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether or not transmission and reception of the lens and camera data signals DLC, DCL of all bytes are completed in the BUSY mode. If the transmission / reception of all bytes is completed, the camera microcomputer 205 returns the communication mode of the camera microcomputer 205 to the BUSY mode in step S610, and then proceeds to step S604. Otherwise, the camera microcomputer 205 returns to step S607. In S607, the camera microcomputer 205 starts communication of the next byte. Since the number of bytes communicated in the BUSY non-mode is set at the start of communication, the lens microcomputer 111 returns its communication mode to the BUSY non-mode after the transmission and reception of all bytes is completed.

In step S611, after the lens microcomputer 111 recognizes that the lens microcomputer 111 has failed to switch the communication mode to the BUSY mode, the camera microcomputer 205 terminates the process of returning the communication mode of the camera microcomputer 111 to the BUSY mode. After completion of this process, the camera microcomputer 205 may resume communication with the lens microcomputer 11 and perform software or hardware reset of the interchangeable lens 100. [

6B shows a lens (accessory) communication mode matching process for eliminating the difference in the communication mode performed by the lens microcomputer 111 in response to the camera communication mode matching process performed by the camera microcomputer 205 described in Fig. 6A Fig. The lens microcomputer 111 executes this processing in accordance with a lens (accessory) communication processing program which is a computer program. When the communication is started, the communication mode of the lens microcomputer 111 is the BUSY mode.

In step S621, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits the 1-byte lens data signal DLC to the camera microcomputer 205 in the BUSY mode as the transmission request signal RTS is asserted. Further, the lens microcomputer 111 receives the 1-byte camera data signal DCL from the camera microcomputer 205. [ After transmitting and receiving the lens and camera data signals DLC and DCL, the lens microcomputer 111 proceeds to S622.

In S622, the lens microcomputer 111 determines whether or not the received camera data signal DCL is a BUSY mode-free switching request. If the camera data signal DCL is a BUSY mode-free switching request, the lens microcomputer 111 proceeds to S624, otherwise proceeds to S623.

In step S623, the lens microcomputer 111 stores the lens data signal DLC to be transmitted next as a response to the received camera data signal DCL in the transmission data buffer 312, and then ends the processing.

In step S624, the lens microcomputer 111 switches the communication mode of the lens microcomputer 111 to the BUSY mode and stores the lens data signal DLC to be transmitted in the BUSY mode in the transmission data buffer 312. [ Thereafter, the lens microcomputer 111 proceeds to S625.

In S625, the lens microcomputer 111 monitors the transmission request signal RTS. When the transmission request signal RTS is asserted, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits the one-byte lens data signal DLC stored in the transmission data buffer 312 in the BUSY non-mode to the camera microcomputer 205. [ Further, the lens microcomputer 111 receives the 1-byte camera data signal DCL from the camera microcomputer 205. [ After transmitting and receiving the lens and camera data signals DLC and DCL, the lens microcomputer 111 proceeds to S626.

In step S626, the lens microcomputer 111 determines whether or not the transmission of the lens data signal DLC of all bytes transmitted in the BUSY mode to the camera microcomputer 205 is completed. If the transmission has not yet been completed, the lens microcomputer 111 returns to S625. On the other hand, if the transmission of all the bytes is completed, the lens microcomputer 111 returns the communication mode of the lens microcomputer 111 to the BUSY mode in step S627, and terminates this processing.

In this embodiment, different parity bits are set (that is, parity is added or not added, or even or odd parity is displayed) for each communication mode for communication between the camera and the lens microcomputers 205 and 111 to provide. Accordingly, the present embodiment can detect that a difference in the communication mode has occurred at a high frequency. Accordingly, the present embodiment can detect a difference in the communication mode in a short time from the occurrence of the communication mode, and quickly provide a state in which the communication modes of the camera and lens microcomputers 205 and 111 coincide with each other.

[Example 2]

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configurations of the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 are the same as those described in the first embodiment with reference to Figs. In this embodiment, in addition to eliminating the difference in the communication mode, the camera data signal DCL is returned from the abnormality (DCL error) to the normal state more quickly. More specifically, in addition to the detection of the difference in the communication mode performed by the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111 also monitors the DCL error. When detecting the DCL error, the lens microcomputer 111 detects the parity information PA Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > parity. ≪ / RTI > This makes it possible to return the camera data signal DCL, that is, the communication between the camera and the lens microcomputer 205, to the normal state more quickly.

7A and 7B, a process from the detection of the DCL error to the return to the normal state (control method) will be described. Reference numerals 701 to 719 denote processes performed by the camera and lens microcomputers 205 and 111. In this embodiment, the communication mode to which the BUSY frame is added is called the BUSY mode, and the communication mode in which the BUSY frame is not added is called the BUSY mode. Also in this embodiment, the setting of the parity bit for each communication mode is predetermined. In the BUSY mode, an even parity bit is added. In the BUSY mode, no parity bit is added. Also in Embodiment 1, the above-described setting of the parity bit is merely an example, and other settings may be employed.

FIG. 7A shows a process from the detection of DCL error in the BUSY mode to the return to the normal state performed by the lens microcomputer 111. FIG. The communication modes of the original camera and lens microcomputers 205 and 111 are all BUSY mode.

When the camera microcomputer 205 asserts the transmission request signal RTS (701), the lens microcomputer 111 transmits the 1-byte lens data signal DLC to the camera microcomputer 205 via the first data communication channel (702). Accordingly, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits the 1-byte camera data signal DCL to the lens microcomputer 111 via the second data communication channel (703). In the transmission of the camera data signal DCL, when the noise generated in the second data communication channel converts the camera data signal DCL into a data signal that is not normal, the lens microcomputer 111 detects this abnormal data signal as a DCL error (704). DCL errors indicate parity errors or framing errors, or data that should not be transmitted. The lens microcomputer 111 which has detected the DCL error intentionally generates a 1-byte lens data signal DLC for causing the camera microcomputer 205 to detect the parity error, and supplies this lens data signal DLC to the transmission data buffer (312).

Next, when the camera microcomputer 205 asserts the transmission request signal RTS (705), the lens microcomputer 111 transmits the lens data signal DLC including the parity error stored in the transmission data buffer 312 to the camera To the microcomputer 205 (706). Upon receiving the lens data signal DLC, the camera microcomputer 205 detects the parity error included in the lens data signal (707) and recognizes the difference in the communication mode between the camera and the lens microcomputers 205 and 111 Detection).

The camera microcomputer 205 recognizing the difference of the communication modes keeps the transmission request signal RTS in the negated state for a predetermined time (708), and resets the communication mode of the lens microcomputer 111 to the BUSY mode. The communication mode of the lens microcomputer 111 is originally the BUSY mode, and the BUSY mode of the lens microcomputer 111 is set again in this processing. This is not a problem.

Furthermore, the camera microcomputer 205 maintains the signal level of the camera data signal DCL at a low level for a predetermined time (709), and then transmits the camera data signal DCL stored in the transmission data buffer 302 for the next transmission Clear (discard). Upon receiving the camera data signal DCL held at the low level for a predetermined time, the lens microcomputer 111 clears the transmission data buffer 312 (710). By performing the above processing, the camera and lens microcomputers 205 and 111 return from the state where the DCL error occurs to the normal state.

Fig. 7B shows the processing from the detection of DCL error in the BUSY mode, which is performed by the lens microcomputer 111, to the return to the normal state. The initial camera and lens microcomputers 205 and 111 are all in the BUSY mode. When the camera microcomputer 205 asserts the transmission request signal RTS (711), the lens microcomputer 111 transmits the 1-byte lens data signal DLC to the camera microcomputer 205 via the first communication channel ( 712). Accordingly, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits the 1-byte camera data signal DCL to the lens microcomputer 111 via the second data communication channel (713). At this time, if the noise generated in the second data communication channel converts the camera data signal DCL into non-normal data such as parity error or data including a framing error, the lens microcomputer 111 detects this as a DCL error (714 ). Upon detecting the DCL error, the lens microcomputer 111 changes its communication mode to the BUSY mode, intentionally generates a lens data signal DLC for detecting a parity error to the camera microcomputer 205, And stores the signal DCL in the transmission data buffer 312.

At this point in time, if the camera microcomputer 205 asserts the transmission request signal RTS (715), the lens microcomputer 111 transmits the lens data signal DLC including the parity error stored in the transmission data buffer 312 To the camera microcomputer 205 (716). The camera microcomputer 205 receiving the lens data signal DLC detects the parity error contained in the lens data signal (717) and recognizes the difference in the communication mode between the camera and the lens microcomputers 205 and 111 .

The camera microcomputer 205 recognizing the difference of the communication modes switches its own communication mode to the BUSY mode. Furthermore, the camera microcomputer 205 maintains the signal level of the camera data signal DCL at a low level for a predetermined time (718), and then transmits the camera data signal DCL stored in the transmission data buffer 302 for the next transmission Clear. The lens microcomputer 111, which has received the camera data signal DCL held low for a predetermined time, clears the transmission data buffer 312 (719). By performing the above processing, the camera and lens microcomputers 205 and 111 return from the state where the DCL error has occurred to the normal state.

8A is a flowchart showing a camera communication mode conforming process for eliminating DCL errors as well as eliminating differences in new modes between the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 205 performed by the camera microcomputer 205. FIG. The camera microcomputer 205 executes this processing in accordance with a camera communication processing program which is a computer program. When the communication is started, the communication mode of the camera microcomputer 205 is the BUSY mode.

The processing in steps S801 to S804 is the same as that in steps S601 to S604 in the first embodiment (Fig. 6A), and a description thereof will be omitted.

The camera microcomputer 205 proceeds from step S803 to step S805 to recognize that the lens microcomputer 111 has mistakenly shifted to the BUSY mode and to transmit the communication mode of the lens microcomputer 111 to the BUSY mode The request signal RTS is held in the negated state for a predetermined time. Then, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to S812.

The processing in steps S806 to S810 is the same as that in steps S606 to S610 in the first embodiment (Fig. 6A), and a description thereof will be omitted.

The camera microcomputer 205 advancing from S808 to S811 recognizes that the lens microcomputer 111 has failed to switch its own communication mode to the BUSY mode. The camera microcomputer 205 returns its communication mode to the BUSY mode. Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to S812.

In step S812, the camera microcomputer 205 holds the signal level of the camera data signal DCL high for a predetermined time in order to reset the reception and transmission data buffers 311 and 312 in the lens microcomputer 111. [ Further, the camera microcomputer 205 clears the reception and transmission data buffers 302 and 303 on its own side, and then terminates this processing.

After the end of this process, the camera microcomputer 205 may resume communication with the lens microcomputer 11 again or perform software or hardware reset of the interchangeable lens 100. [ 8B shows, in addition to the processing for eliminating the difference in the communication modes between the camera and the lens microcomputers 205 and 111, in response to the camera communication mode matching processing performed by the camera microcomputer 205 described in Fig. 8A, Which is performed to cancel the DCL error by the lens communication mode matching process. The lens microcomputer 111 executes this processing in accordance with a lens communication processing program which is a computer program. When the communication is started, the communication mode of the lens microcomputer 111 is the BUSY mode.

In step S821, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits the 1-byte lens data signal DLC to the camera microcomputer 205 in the BUSY mode as the transmission request signal RTS is asserted by the camera microcomputer 205 do. Further, the lens microcomputer 111 receives the 1-byte camera data signal DCL from the camera microcomputer 205. [ After transmitting and receiving the lens and camera data signals DLC and DCL, the lens microcomputer 111 proceeds to S828.

In S828, the lens microcomputer 111 determines whether or not a DCL error has occurred. If a DCL error has occurred, the lens microcomputer 111 proceeds to S830, otherwise proceeds to S822.

The processing of S822 to S824 is the same as that of S622 to S624 in Embodiment 1 (Fig. 6A), and a description thereof will be omitted.

The lens microcomputer 111 proceeding from S824 to S825 monitors the transmission request signal RTS. When the transmission request signal RTS is asserted, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits the one-byte lens data signal DLC stored in the transmission data buffer 312 in the BUSY non-mode to the camera microcomputer 205. [ Further, the lens microcomputer 111 receives the 1-byte camera data signal DCL from the camera microcomputer 205. [ After transmitting and receiving these lens and camera data signals DLC and DCL, the lens microcomputer 111 proceeds to S829.

In S829, the lens microcomputer 111 determines whether or not a DCL error has occurred. If a DCL error has occurred, the lens microcomputer 111 proceeds to S830, otherwise proceeds to S826.

The processes in S826 and S827 are the same as those in S626 and S627 in Embodiment 1 (Fig. 6A), and a description thereof will be omitted.

In step S830, the lens microcomputer 111 intentionally generates a lens data signal DLC for causing the camera microcomputer 205 to detect a parity error while returning its communication mode to the BUSY mode. Thereafter, the lens microcomputer 111 stores the lens data signal DLC in the transmission data buffer 312. [ Thereafter, the lens microcomputer 111 ends this processing. In the next communication, when the lens microcomputer 111 transmits the lens data signal DLC stored in the transmission data buffer 312 to the camera microcomputer 205, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits the received lens data signal DLC Lt; / RTI > According to this processing, the communication between the camera and the lens microcomputers 205 and 111 can be returned to the normal state.

In this embodiment, the lens microcomputer 111 also monitors a DCL error as a communication error, and when detecting the DCL error, generates a lens data signal DLC including a parity error. Thus, the camera microcomputer 205 can detect a parity error of the lens data signal DLC. Thereafter, the camera and lens microcomputers 205 and 111 can return the abnormal state (DLC error) between the camera and the lens microcomputers 205 and 111 to the normal state by performing the same processing as the first embodiment.

In the above embodiments, the accessory device is a replacement lens. However, the accessory device may be another device such as a flash device (illumination device).

Each of the above embodiments can detect a parity error of the lens data signal DLC by providing different settings of parity bits for each communication mode. Accordingly, the inconsistency of the communication mode between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 can be detected quickly. Therefore, in each of the embodiments, the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 can be quickly returned to a state in which their communication modes coincide with each other.

Other embodiments

Embodiments of the present invention may be practiced using computer executable programs (e.g., computer readable instructions) recorded on a storage medium (which may be referred to as " non-volatile computer readable storage medium ") for performing one or more functions of the above- (E.g., an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) that reads and executes possible instructions (e.g., one or more programs) and / or performs one or more functions of the above- For example, by reading and executing computer-executable instructions from a storage medium to perform one or more functions of the above-described embodiment (s), such as by a computer of the system or apparatus The computer may comprise one or more central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors (MPUs), or other circuitry, and may be implemented in a network of discrete computers The computer-executable instructions may, for example, be presented to a computer from a network of storage media. The storage medium may comprise, for example, one or more hard disks, a random access memory RAM), read only memory (ROM), a distributed computing system storage, an optical disk (a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), or Blu-ray disc (BD), ^TM, etc.), flash memory device, a memory card, etc. .

While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications, equivalent structures and functions.

Claims (24)

The accessory device 100 is removably mounted,
A first data communication channel (DLC) used to transmit accessory data from the accessory device to the imaging device and a second data communication channel (DLC) used to transmit camera data from the imaging device to the accessory device, Camera communication units 208a and 208b configured to install the DCL,
And a camera control unit (205) configured to communicate with the accessory device via the camera communication unit,
Wherein the camera control unit is configured to be able to switch the communication mode between the first communication mode and the second communication mode,
Wherein the camera control unit is configured to transmit a request to transmit the accessory data having different parity bit settings to each other in the first and second communication modes.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the setting of the parity bit is different in that the parity bit is not added or added in the first and second communication modes, or in that the parity bit indicates an even parity or an odd parity.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein one of the first and second communication modes indicates an even parity or an odd parity and the other parity bit is not included.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the camera control unit is configured to detect a discrepancy in a communication mode between the camera control unit and the accessory device by detecting a parity error of the accessory data.
5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the camera control unit is configured to perform a matching process of matching the communication mode of the camera control unit and the accessory device in response to detection of the difference of the communication mode.
6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the camera control unit performs the matching process for switching the communication mode of the accessory device to the first communication mode in response to detecting the difference in the communication mode when the communication mode of the camera control unit is the first communication mode, To be performed.
6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the camera control unit switches the communication mode of the camera control unit to the first communication mode in response to the detection of the difference in the communication mode when the communication mode of the camera control unit is in the second communication mode And performs matching processing.
8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Wherein the camera control unit is configured to perform asynchronous communication with the accessory device,
Wherein the camera communication unit is configured to install a communication request channel (RTS) used to provide a communication request from the imaging device to the accessory device and three channels that are the first and second data communication channels,
Wherein the camera control unit is configured to: (a) cause the accessory device to transmit the accessory data to the camera control unit via the first data communication channel by providing the communication request to the accessory device via the communication request channel; and b) transmit the camera data to the accessory device via the second data communication channel.
9. The method of claim 8,
The camera control unit,
In the first communication mode, the accessory data to which the communication standby request is added is received from the accessory device,
In the second communication mode, the accessory data not having added the communication standby request is received from the accessory device,
In the first communication mode, the communication request is not provided until the communication standby request is terminated,
In the second communication mode, continuing to provide the accessory device with the communication request until a predetermined amount of communication is performed, and in response to completion of the predetermined amount of communication, Mode.
9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the camera control unit switches the communication mode of the accessory device to the first communication mode by not providing the communication request for a predetermined time in response to the detection of the difference in the communication mode in the first communication mode And performs matching processing.
Which is detachably mounted on the imaging device 200,
A first data communication channel (DLC) used to transmit accessory data from the accessory device to the imaging device and a second data communication channel (DLC) used to transmit the camera data from the imaging device to the accessory device, An accessory communication unit 112a, 112b configured to provide a channel DCL,
And an accessory control unit (111) configured to communicate with the imaging device via the accessory communication unit, the accessory device (100)
Wherein the accessory control unit is configured to be able to switch the communication mode between the first communication mode and the second communication mode,
Wherein the accessory controller is configured to transmit the accessory data having different parity bit settings in the first and second communication modes.
12. The method of claim 11,
In the first and second communication modes, the setting of the parity bit is different in that parity bits are not added or appended, or in that the parity bits represent even parity or odd parity.
12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein one of the first and second communication modes indicates an even parity or an odd parity and the other parity bit is not included.
12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the accessory control unit is configured to switch the communication mode of the accessory control unit in response to receiving a switching request for requesting switching of the communication mode upon detection of a parity error of the accessory data.
15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the accessory control unit is configured to switch the communication mode of the accessory control unit to the first communication mode in response to receiving the switching request at the time of detecting the difference of the communication mode in the first communication mode.
12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the accessory control unit is configured to perform asynchronous communication with the imaging device,
Wherein the accessory communication unit is configured to install a communication request channel (RTS) used to provide a communication request from the imaging device to the accessory control unit, and three channels that are the first and second data communication channels,
(A) transmitting the accessory data to the imaging device via the first data communication channel in response to receiving the communication request from the imaging device via the communication request channel, (b) And to receive the camera data transmitted from the imaging device via the second data communication channel.
17. The method of claim 16,
(A) transmitting, in the first communication mode, the accessory data to which a communication standby request for requesting the imaging apparatus to prohibit the communication request is added; (b) Mode is configured to transmit the accessory data in which the communication standby request is not added while the communication request is being provided from the imaging apparatus.
17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the accessory control unit is configured to set the communication mode of the accessory control unit to the first communication mode in response to not receiving the communication request from the imaging device for detecting the difference of the communication mode in the first communication mode for a predetermined period of time An accessory device configured to perform processing for switching.
19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18,
Wherein the accessory control unit is configured to transmit the accessory data provided to cause the imaging device to detect a parity error in response to abnormal detection of the camera data.
An imaging system comprising an imaging device (200) and an accessory device (100) removably mounted on the imaging device,
The camera communication units 208a and 208b included in the image capturing apparatus and the accessory communication units 112a and 112b included in the accessory apparatus. The camera and the accessory communication unit transmit accessory data from the accessory apparatus to the image capturing apparatus And a second data communication channel (DCL) used to transmit camera data from the imaging device to the accessory device, wherein the first data communication channel (DLC)
Wherein the image pickup system comprises:
The camera control unit 205 included in the image capturing apparatus and the accessory control unit 111 included in the accessory apparatus, wherein the camera and the accessory control unit are connected to the image capturing system configured to communicate with each other via the camera and the accessory communication unit As a result,
Wherein the camera and accessory control unit is configured to be able to switch each communication mode between a first communication mode and a second communication mode,
Wherein the camera control unit is configured to cause the accessory control unit to transmit the accessory data having different parity bit settings between the first and second communication modes.
An accessory device (100) is detachably mounted and includes a first data communication channel (DLC) used to transmit accessory data from the accessory device to the imaging device, and a second data communication channel A control method for controlling the image capturing apparatus (200) in which a second data communication channel (DCL) used for transmitting camera data is installed,
Enabling the imaging device to switch its communication mode between a first communication mode and a second communication mode;
And controlling the image capturing apparatus such that the image capturing apparatus requests transmission of the accessory data having different parity bit settings in the first and second communication modes.
A first data communication channel (DLC) detachably mounted on the imaging device (200) and used to transmit accessory data from the accessory device to the imaging device, and a second data communication channel A control method for controlling the accessory device (100) that installs a second data communication channel (DCL) used to transmit camera data,
Enabling the accessory device to switch its communication mode between a first communication mode and a second communication mode,
And controlling the accessory device to transmit the accessory data having different parity bit settings to each other in the first and second communication modes.
On the computer,
An accessory device (100) is detachably mounted and includes a first data communication channel (DLC) used to transmit accessory data from the accessory device to the imaging device, and a second data communication channel A control method for controlling the image capturing apparatus (200) in which a second data communication channel (DCL) used for transmitting camera data is installed,
Enabling the imaging device to switch its communication mode between a first communication mode and a second communication mode;
Controlling the image pickup apparatus so that the image pickup apparatus requests transmission of the accessory data having different parity bit settings in the first and second communication modes from each other, ≪ / RTI >
On the computer,
A first data communication channel (DLC) detachably mounted on the imaging device (200) and used to transmit accessory data from the accessory device to the imaging device, and a second data communication channel A control method for controlling the accessory device (100) that installs a second data communication channel (DCL) used to transmit camera data,
Enabling the accessory device to switch its communication mode between a first communication mode and a second communication mode,
And controlling the accessory device so that the accessory device transmits the accessory data having different parity bit settings in the first and second communication modes to each other. Computer program.

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